Two APAC finalists to compete in Defender Trophy's final

Charles Murray (New Zealand) and Ron Ng (Singapore) have been named the Asia-Pacific winners of the Defender Trophy, following two days of intense regional qualification rounds held in the mountainous terrain of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Selected from a field of 24 competitors representing Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, the pair will now progress to the Defender Trophy Global Final in Africa later in 2026. There, they will join other regional finalists from around the world in an epic adventure challenge hosted in partnership with Defender's long-standing conservation partner, Tusk.

Ron Ng and Charles Murray will take part in the Defender Trophy Global Final in Africa later in 2026

Set against the rugged mountains of southern Taiwan, the Asia-Pacific qualification rounds were designed to test intellectual agility, endurance and teamwork. Competitors navigated a series of vehicle-based, adventure and physical challenges.

Driving stages required careful line selection and technical vehicle control through tight obstacle courses under time pressure, while adventure tasks saw teams collaborate to transport heavy equipment and construct functional solutions in demanding terrain.

The driving stage of the competition requires careful line selection and technical vehicle control through tight obstacle courses under time pressure

Emerging as standout performers, Murray and Ng demonstrated consistent composure, strategic thinking and technical capability across every stage. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing terrain and to support one another in demanding conditions set them apart in a highly competitive field.

Qualification rounds will continue in April 2026 with the North American Finals in British Columbia, Canada.